A Letter from an Israeli Reserve Soldier

Our young country, built from the ashes of the Holocaust, does not turn its back on humanity.

My name is Aron Adler. I am 25 years old, was born in Brooklyn, New York, and raised in Efrat, Israel. Though very busy, I don't view my life as unusual. Most of the time, I am just another Israeli citizen. During the day I work as a paramedic in Magen David Adom, Israel's national EMS service. At night, I'm in my first year of law school. I got married this October and am starting a new chapter of life together with my wonderful wife Shulamit.

A few weeks out of every year, I'm called up to the Israeli army to do my reserve duty. I serve as a paramedic in an IDF paratrooper unit. My squad is made up of others like me; people living normal lives who step up to serve when responsibility calls. The oldest in my squad is 58, a father of four girls and grandfather of two; there are two bankers, one engineer, a holistic healer, and my 24-year-old commander who is still trying to figure out what to do with his life. Most of the year we are just normal people living our lives, but for 15-20 days each year we are soldiers on the front lines preparing for a war that we hope we never have to fight.

This year, our reserve unit was stationed on the border between Israel, Egypt and the Gaza Strip in an area called "Kerem Shalom." Above and beyond the "typical" things for which we train – war, terrorism, border infiltration, etc., this year we were confronted by a new challenge. Several years ago, a trend started of African refugees crossing the Egyptian border from Sinai into Israel to seek asylum from the atrocities in Darfur. What started out as a small number of men, women and children fleeing from the machetes of the Janjaweed and violent fundamentalists to seek a better life elsewhere, turned into an organized industry of human trafficking. In return for huge sums of money, sometimes entire life savings paid to Bedouin "guides," these refugees are promised to be transported from Sudan, Eritrea and other African countries through Egypt and the Sinai desert, into the safe haven of Israel.

We increasingly hear horror stories of the atrocities these refugees suffer on their way to freedom. They are subject to, and victims of extortion, rape, murder and even organ theft, their bodies left to rot in the desert. Then, if lucky, after surviving this gruesome experience whose prize is freedom, when only a barbed wire fence separates them from Israel and their goal, they must go through the final death run and try to evade the bullets of the Egyptian soldiers stationed along the border. Egypt's soldiers are ordered to shoot to kill anyone trying to cross the border OUT of Egypt and into Israel. It's an almost nightly event.

For those who finally get across the border, the first people they encounter are Israeli soldiers, people like me and those in my unit, who are tasked with a primary mission of defending the lives of the Israeli people. On one side of the border soldiers shoot to kill. On the other side, they know they will be treated with more respect than in any of the countries they crossed to get to this point.

The region where it all happens is highly sensitive and risky from a security point of view, an area stricken with terror at every turn. It's just a few miles south of the place where Gilad Shalit was kidnapped. And yet the Israeli soldiers who are confronted with these refugees do it not with rifles aimed at them, but with a helping hand and an open heart. The refugees are taken to a nearby IDF base, given clean clothes, a hot drink, food and medical attention. They are finally safe.

Even though I live in Israel and am aware through media reports of the events that take place on the Egyptian border, I never understood the intensity and complexity of the scenario until I experienced it myself.

In the course of the past few nights, I have witnessed much. At 9 p.m. last night, the first reports came in of gunfire heard from the Egyptian border. Minutes later, IDF scouts spotted small groups of people trying to get across the fence. In the period of about one hour, we picked up 13 men - cold, barefoot, dehydrated - some wearing nothing except underpants. Their bodies were covered with lacerations and other wounds. We gathered them in a room, gave them blankets, tea and treated their wounds. I don't speak a word of their language, but the look on their faces said it all and reminded me once again why I am so proud to be a Jew and an Israeli. Sadly, it was later determined that the gunshots we heard were deadly, killing three others fleeing for their lives.

During the 350 days a year when I am not on active duty, when I am just another man trying to get by, the people tasked with doing this amazing job, this amazing deed, the people witnessing these events, are mostly young Israeli soldiers just out of high school, serving their compulsory time in the IDF, some only 18 years old.

The refugees flooding into Israel are a heavy burden on our small country. More than 100,000 refugees have fled this way, and hundreds more cross the border every month. The social, economic and humanitarian issues created by this influx of refugees are immense. There are serious security consequences for Israel as well. This influx of African refugees poses a crisis for Israel. Israel has yet to come up with the solutions required to deal with this crisis effectively, balancing its' sensitive social, economic and security issues, at the same time striving to care for the refugees.

I don't have the answers to these complex problems which desperately need to be resolved. I'm not writing these words with the intention of taking a political position or a tactical stand on the issue.

Israel has put politics aside to take the ethical humane path, as so often before.

I am writing to tell you and the entire world what's really happening down here on the Egyptian/Israeli border. And to tell you that despite all the serious problems created by this national crisis, these refugees have no reason to fear us. Because they know, as the entire world needs to know, that Israel has not shut its eyes to their suffering and pain. Israel has not looked the other way. The State of Israel has put politics aside to take the ethical and humane path as it has so often done before, in every instance of human suffering and natural disasters around the globe. We Jews know only too well about suffering and pain. The Jewish people have been there. We have been the refugees and the persecuted so many times, over thousands of years, all over the world.

Today, when African refugees flood our borders in search of freedom and better lives, and some for fear of their lives, it is particularly noteworthy how Israel deals with them, despite the enormous strain it puts on our country on so many levels.

Our young and thriving Jewish people and country, built from the ashes of the Holocaust, do not turn their backs on humanity. Though I already knew that, this week I once again experienced it firsthand. I am overwhelmed with emotion and immensely proud to be a member of this nation.

With love of Israel,Aron Adler, writing from the Israel/Gaza/Egyptian border

About the Author

Visitor Comments: 60

(52)
Gavriel,
May 4, 2014 1:29 PM

Shalom Aron, comrade-in-arms.I am touched by your letter. I can only somewhat imagine the plight of these African refugees, having been a refugee myself 70years ago. I also served as a medic in my country's national service. Yet reading about both these themes joined in such humanitarian action reminds me again how Israel is mostly the first country on the spot to help those at catastrophic places - even if the people involved are mostly Muslims, whereas there is no help coming from Muslim countries. Thank Heaven for Israel - a place where my children may be accepted unconditionally whenever in need. (And may that never become necessary!)"Am Yisrael Chai!"

(51)
Calev Yehoshua Ndeanka,
November 20, 2013 6:44 AM

African Ought to Stand By Israel

What an amazing account of Israel's unconditional support of the down pressed Africans. As an African residing in Africa i feel indebted to play my part in support of our beloved spiritual kith and kith the Israelites. So far i have been doing my part in verbal conversations and sometimes through articles to enlighten my fellow africans who are largely misinformed about Israel. But now if feel duty-bound to do more and i will. God bless the writer of this story, God bless Israel.

(50)
Haley Marianp,
July 1, 2013 3:15 AM

Very interesting!

His story is very inspiring to read.

(49)
declan carroll,
December 10, 2011 11:03 AM

Hello from Dublin, Ireland. I read your letter & I am deeply touched by it. Many thanks for the wonderful work you are doing & your letter ought to be printed in every newspaper around the world. Take care & best wishes for the future.
Declan.

(48)
Lynn Morgenstein,
December 5, 2011 4:12 AM

Dear Aron, your letter touched me to the core. I'm overwhelmed with emotion myself and am grateful that there are people like you and others in the IDF unit who make this world a better place. May you be safe! God bless!

(47)
Frederica Steller,
December 1, 2011 9:22 PM

First of all, Mazel Tov on your wedding and marriage! I'm half Jewish; but, I love Israel and all the Jewish people. Just wish to say two things: Thanks for all you & the IDF does; I'm adding all of you to my ongoing prayer list. May God bless & protect you all!

(46)
Josh,
December 1, 2011 4:05 PM

We must do the ethical & humane thing - but not more!

Aron's letter was right on target. He spoke about the Jewish people's and Israels ethical and humane values. This is how we must behave. But that should be the limit. The African refugees should not be able to get "further" into Israel. The govt needs to setup facilities in the Negev near the Egyptian border to humanely house these refugees until they can be safely repatriated. It is our moral and ethical obligation to do that. Israel should demand assistance from other countries, the International Red Cross, and from the UN to cover the costs. After all, these organizations are so concerned with human rights (Yeah, right). The acceptance of the refugees into Israeli cities is a looming disaster for Israel.

(45)
Shoshana,
December 1, 2011 10:34 AM

really beautiful, touchling, overwhelmilng

And Lenore asked, what happened to them in Israel. So come to Tel Aviv and see. Ah, Tel Aviv. Once a beautiful Jewish city. Now half of it is these African Black Moslem Arabs. Infitrating at the rate of 4000 a month. (four thousand). A low class and dangerous people, making life for the Jews unbearable. Mosques going up all over the place. But so what? Anyway Hertzl wanted to settle the Jews in Africa. So now they're resettling Africa in Israel. Really beautiful. And now the Jewish residents of black Tel Aviv want to resettle these Africans in North Tel Aviv, where the rich, open-minded and tolerent left-wingers reside. After all , they are all for this infiltration and one of the big causes of it. But alas, they won't tolerate them in THEIR neighborhood for one day.
P.S. Please don't misunderstand me, I really think that the Israeli soldiers were one-hundred percent right to give these people water, food, clothing and medical treatment. It was the only thing to do and they are really to be
praised for it.
P.P.S. So what to do now? First close the boarder between Israel and Egypt and stop the infiltration. And in some way get the ones here already out of the country. (You see them with their baby carriages already Starting a second generation. ) And to where? It's beyond me. Maybe the good old USA.? It is a big country and they won't bother anybody too much. Here, we might just become the minority, G-d forbid. Ah! So touching. So beautiful.

(44)
juan manuel c. del prado,
December 1, 2011 1:03 AM

Well done to Aron Adler and his comrades. May your tribe increase, and be safe in Israel.

(43)
Katarina,
November 30, 2011 7:47 PM

Thank you for the letter. We do not read such a positive news or hear from people like yourself, from Israel. As it says in Torah, Jewish people are light to the world.
All the best
from UK, Oxford

(42)
Livvy,
November 30, 2011 12:32 PM

So amazing

How amazing! This story is so touching! While I may not be Jewish, I love the Jewish people and this has just given me another reason!! May Hashem continue to bless your nation and the amazing work you are doing

(41)
Emes,
November 30, 2011 12:13 AM

A true Jew

Bless you Aron Adler and your colleagues for keeping the flame alight that is in the neshuma of all Jews, unfortunately there are those who choose to oust the warmth and humanity that is in our makeup but they will be left cold and souless in the end.

(40)
jose mesias reyes,
November 29, 2011 9:27 PM

I am proud of you,,SHALOM ISRAEL....

(39)
lenore miller,
November 29, 2011 7:51 PM

It's articles like this that should be read in world newspapers

I don't always agree with the prime Minister but I loved the article from the young soldier.
What is happening to the africans who are living in Israel? Lenore Miller

(38)
Anonymous,
November 29, 2011 6:25 PM

May Hashem bless you!

Dear Aron,
It is an big zchus to Klal Isroel to have men such as you! Thank you for all your work, thank you for sharing this story. May Hashem give you and Shulamit a life of blessings and besorot tovot! May Hashem protect each and everyone of you like you protect us (and humanity as well)! We are very proud of all of you!!! Thank you thank you thank you! May we continue to try to give naches to Hashem and speedly see the gueula in our days!

(37)
Anonymous,
November 29, 2011 3:55 PM

very well writen!yeshar koach!!

iiI

(36)
Itai,
November 29, 2011 3:26 PM

Aron - You are my hero!!!

I can't wait to be old enough to join the IDF and do the great things that you are doing!! What an amazing letter. Thank you so much for what you do and for your inspiration.

(35)
Judy R.,
November 29, 2011 4:29 AM

WOW!!!! What a story....Thank you Aron Adler

This story makes me happy that my husband and I donate, what we can, to the IDF. It's people who live in Israel know the real meaning of humanity.

The refugees arriving in Israel are the direct result of the failure of the UN in the countries involved. The UN should be invited to set up refugee camps in Israel, and care for these refugees indefinitely, just as it has done for the Palestinians. Israel can be gracious enough to permit some territory to be used for this humanitarian purpose, but the Israeli society and economy should not be required to support these people.

abe,
November 29, 2011 10:27 PM

you want to keep them in camps ......indefinitely as well ?

do we let them into society or treat them as refugee and put them in a camp ?

(32)
richard blassberg,
November 28, 2011 7:06 PM

Ultimately we are all answerable to God.

We must never discard our humanity for political or ethnic considerations. A father, mother and children fleeing for their very lives must be welcomed into our midst as we would welcome our own family. We must never surrender to inhumanity and fear.

(31)
Ruchell K,
November 28, 2011 5:13 PM

Brillaint letter

One fantsstic young man sharing his experiences, strength & questions to all Jew around the world. Thank you for being an IDF reserve person.

(30)
avi bodokh,
November 28, 2011 2:23 PM

deuteronomy 10;19

So you should love foreigners, because you were foreigners living in Egypt.
the way israel is treating the refugees is as the bible dictated
as long as we keep our faith no enemey inside or out can defeat us.once the conflict is over in the refugees country we can send him home until then we should provide them with care and love for they will be our future ambassadors in their countrys

(29)
Irma Friedberg,
November 28, 2011 1:50 PM

Thank you for bringing us up to date with what is going on in Israel. Thank you and to all the brave soldiers for protecting our people and our land.

(28)
raquel haya,
November 28, 2011 1:50 PM

You should every thing possible to have this letter published in every newspapter around the world.

(27)
Steve Hosken,
November 28, 2011 9:47 AM

Only Jews should be permitted to stay in Israel.

Moslems, Africans or Arabs or what ever they are, will soon out-number Jews, if hordes of non-jews, especially those who are Moslem are allowed to flood into Israel. We all know how Moslems these days are brain-washed by power seeking clerics to hate those they consider non-moslem or infidels.

Kerry,
November 28, 2011 1:12 PM

Hosken gives Jews a bad name.

You should hang your head in shame.

ladydi,
November 28, 2011 5:57 PM

Steve Hosken

Kerry - I agree with Steve's response to the article. The Moslims HATE the Jews with a passion and by letting them into Israel, Israel is setting themselves up for terrorist attacks by them. Yes, Israel has a heart....but sometimes the "head" has to overrule the "hea
rt".

Joanne,
November 29, 2011 2:08 AM

These Men Will Never Forget

They will not forget the kindness done to them. They will not become terrorists. They did not flee to an "apartheid" country. They fled to Israel. Someday they will return to to their homelands. For now, they have asylum.

(26)
B Atkinson,
November 28, 2011 5:37 AM

G-d bless you and keep you from all harm

(25)
Judah,
November 28, 2011 3:07 AM

For 23 years i've been praying for Israel. I believe God raised millions of people around the world to intercede for your country because you greatly need a supernatural ally that will sustain the Jewish people emotionally, physically & spiritually. Shalom:>

(24)
Avraham Nahoumi,
November 28, 2011 2:35 AM

I am opposed to allowing illegal aliens to enter Israel

We Jews are a very mericiful people, but we must realize that in order to maintain a Jewish majority in Israel, we cannot afford to allow over 100,000 Moslem aliens to enter our country illegally every few years. The result will be that in a generation, their numbers added to the hordes of hostile Arab citizens of Israel and the anti-Zionist leftist Jews will become a majority. Then our Zionist homeland will cease to exist. There will be riots against the Jews just as the Egyptian Moslems now have riots against the Coptic Christians. We will then be driven out of our homeland just as we were twice in the past.
We must force these illegal aliens to recross the border into Egypt. We can supply them with a canteen of water and some snacks and tell them to pray to their God Allah for protection against their co-religionist Moslem snipers. May Allah have mercy upon them, not us.

yael,
November 28, 2011 5:43 PM

please have faith

We should not go against our humanitarian instincts. If we believe in the power of doing the right thing for people, regardless of their religion or ethnicity, I believe those we've helped will be our allies in the spreading of positive messages abut Israel and Jews.

(23)
Ron Kall,
November 28, 2011 1:45 AM

Preaching to the choir

The only people who will see this story, already know the humanity of Israel. The world media is only interested in finding a way to slant this show of humanity into an anti-Israel story, while completely ignoring the reality of what these Africans face traveling to Israel through Muslim lands. Later the world media will be publishing stories about the discrimination these Africans face in Israel or some other negative spin on the truth. Why doesn't Obama publicly chastise the Muslim world for the way it treats Africans? This is clearly a plot by Israels enemies to overburden the system with people that cannot possibly contribute to the good of Israel, at least not this generation of them,while putting Israel in a lose/lose situation.
I say Israel should not allow these people to cross into Israel. If the entire black/Arab/Muslim world can get away with this abuse while the world is silent, then so be it!

Anonymous,
November 28, 2011 5:49 PM

preaching to the choir, yes. plot by israel's enemies? not...

Ron, please read my thoughts in the reply to Avraham. We must be strong in our convictions of what proper and righteous behavior is.

(22)
Anonymous,
November 28, 2011 1:44 AM

Israel needs to survive

Sure this Reseervist writes a compelling story, however how is Israel to continue to support these people? What would happen if all being persucitated in Africa were to flee and their destination was Israel. Sounds like what the US is facing with the migration North from Mexico and points South. How is Israel to deal with this issue? It is a Jewish state, and we do have values, but I believe that family is first.

(21)
Selma Soss,
November 28, 2011 1:42 AM

Aaron, You Are A Light In The World

I am so moved by your story, I sent it to my children
and grandchildren so they can know that there are
such wonderful people as you still in existence.
Thank You.

(20)
Corinne Joy,
November 28, 2011 1:25 AM

What an apt and praiseworthy response of Aron Adler's! - 27.11.2011

Really, 'col ha cavod', Aron ...! - and I am glad that you have publicised this tragedy so eloquently, to serve indeed as a contrast to 'the usual' sad media-conveyed impressions created in respect of Israel and its purported intentions ... The heartfelt humanity exhibited by you and your IDF colleagues in so treating and reassuring the downtrodden and persecuted Darfuris should be emulated worldwide in other such contexts, and thank you for setting such a supreme example! - also adding another aspect to the everlasting question of: 'What are we fighting for?' - if not the ultimate welfare and respect of all humankind ...
Amities, Corinne

(19)
Patricia Findlay,
November 28, 2011 12:24 AM

Thank you young soldier!

This article brought tears to my eyes and once again made me proud to call myself a Jew.

(18)
Abigail,
November 27, 2011 11:50 PM

so very proud of all of you....

Be Blessed......

(17)
Seth Lefkow,
November 27, 2011 10:32 PM

Wanna know why?

Aron: People wonder why I have gone, for the past ten years and again in '12, to Israel at my expense, to volunteer on an IDF base for three weeks with a program called Sar-El. The reason is you. And the many Israelis it has been my good fortune to meet. May God protect you and your country,

(16)
Pamela,
November 27, 2011 10:00 PM

Israeli Army

I am so proud of the Israeli Army.

(15)
shari,
November 27, 2011 9:20 PM

press release of darfor refugees?

so why has the press not shown these ferugees and done stories about them? why hasnt the state of Israel done press releases. where will these poeple live and work after the initail shock of being a refugee has passed? i hope that israel is kind to them, gives them jobs and they become loyal citizens, greatful to the jewish people for our kindness. and where is the united nations in stopping the darfor problems?

(14)
pressie de guzman,
November 27, 2011 8:28 PM

I love your story.....I believe that G-d is so proud of you.... what are you doing in the army is truly amazing.....the love and compassion of every IDFsoldier who are serving in the Army to defend the lives of every citizen is awesome!
At the same time to show love to all humanity to save lives of every human being......you are fulfilling the one of G-d's 10th commandment that says, "Love your neighbor as you love yourself.... You are one of G-d's instrument to show His love to the whole World!

(13)
Harry Shecter,
November 27, 2011 8:05 PM

Aron,YOU HAVE CAUSED MY 80 YEAR OLD EYES TO WEEP

ARON ADLER WAS ABLE TO GIVE THE REST OF US A CLOSE SNAP SHOT VIEW OF THE EVENTS THAT TAKES PLACE AT THE ISRAEL EGYPT BORDER.-IT GOES BEYOND HUMANITY,IT SETS A NEW HIGH STANDARD FOR HUMANITY-HARRY SHECTER

(12)
ruth housman,
November 27, 2011 7:39 PM

suffering, pain, and misplaced enmity

There is obviously a huge problem, when people target the Israelis as the source of their suffering, and then treat their people in cruel and inhumane ways. I am proud to read about the humanity of the Israeli Army in this regard, from someone on the front lines, and saddened to hear about the inhumanity that exists, which makes me angry, that anyone can treat another, regardless of country, in these abusive ways.
We will never get peace unless those who harbor enmity find ways to work in positive ways, towards this goal. And if they don't it's gaol, meaning a prison, of one's own making, in never allowing the light to shine through. I think it is possible to broker a peace and yet, sometimes I wonder if people really want this, because deep down, there has to be something fueling hate, and hate is a binding force, and keeps people occupied. Maybe people are afraid of facing the void, in having to rebuild, both a collective identity, and the need to shake hands across so much painful, barbed wire and barbs.

(11)
Gizelle,
November 27, 2011 7:04 PM

Am very proud to say, I support Israel. May the Good Lord continue to bless her, as she will always be His.

(10)
norman kaffee,
November 27, 2011 6:38 PM

HEART WARMING STORY

STORIES SUCH AS THESE, MUST BE PASSED ON TO AS MANY THAT ALL OF "US" CAN. SHOWS THE TRUE SPIRIT OF THE IDF AND NOT ONE THE MEDIA SEEMS TO PORTRAY. LITTLE OF KNOWN OF WHAT THIS SOLDIER TELLS US, OUR NEWSPAPERS AND CABLE STATIONS SEEM BEHOLDEN TO ANTI ISRAEL STATEMENTS WHICH PEOPLE BELIEVE, SO WHEN YOU FINISH READING THIS FINE ARTICLE, MAKE CERTAIN THAT YOU PASS IT ON TO ALL FRIENDS AND NEIGHBORS.

(9)
Shulamis Mallet,
November 27, 2011 6:22 PM

Mi ke'amcha Yisroel

Thank you for these beautiful words. It's not just the actions of my brothers that make me proud to be a Jew, but the emotion and the understanding, that it's not just a momentary "chessed" that this entails. It will take years to help restore these people to a position of self sustenance, to a time when they can stand on their own feet, and have pride in where they came from. It's obvious that Israel appreciates this commitment and accepts the responsibility. One day, I hope these people will stand up as witnesses to the incredible nature of a nation with heart. Of course, there are no guarantees, but that's not what the philanthropy is all about. I hope that one day those people will be able to go back to their homes, and use all that they learned from their time in Israel, to improve the conditions in their own countries, and be at the forefront of those petitioning for world peace. And not demanding that Israel give back pieces of itself as a sacrifice to an insatiable enemy. They will hopefully petition for Israel to exist, in peace, unmolested, in a land that we have every right to call our own. In the meantime, these new immigrants would do best being put into programs, when they are well enough, where they can learn vocations and contribute to the economy and there self worth, by being provided with jobs. The best form of charity, is providing an opportunity for someone to provide for themselves. And what better for their pride than by feeling that they can give something back to those that gave them a safe haven? Thank you for sharing your experience with us, and for the emotion behind your words.

(8)
Margaret,
November 27, 2011 5:55 PM

Thank the Lord for Israel

This story makes me cry. I have forwarded this email to my five children and friends and my message is "This is MY ISRAEL"
I truly believe that G-d takes care of Israel and the Jews of the world. I am not a Jew but I dearly wish that I was. May you always continue to bless this sad world.

(7)
Jeffrey E Calvert,
November 27, 2011 5:48 PM

Where is the rest of the world...

When atrocities like this happen to people. The UN and the rest of the World spends its time running down Israel for alleged 'human rights abuses'. But they never tell us about the great things you and your troops do on that border. I am an American that is proud to stand with Israel, and hope one day that someone with the guts to tell the truth will come and shed light on what you do.

Linda,
November 27, 2011 7:31 PM

That's so true about the UN

as usual there is plenty of talk, but no action for the needs of those tragic people.

(6)
Anonymous,
November 27, 2011 5:27 PM

Please submit this letter to a mainstream, secular newspaper

Please submit this letter to a mainstream, secular newspaper, so the rest of the world can know this, also.

(5)
marian held,
November 27, 2011 5:22 PM

kol la kavod

(4)
Anonymous,
November 27, 2011 5:16 PM

God Bless each and every Israeli soldier

How gratifying to see Light and caring in a dark and deeply troubled region of the world

(3)
shimon,
November 27, 2011 4:59 PM

dont be so rightous

as you said this is a very big problem for israel. since when israel became the dumping grounds for humans
from other countries .especially most of them are muslims. there are much richer countries then us in the region who can absorb them. but they dont. we need to take the same stand and deport them immidiately. and dicaruge them from coming .
otherwise they will create another african country in israel by shear numbers.

(2)
Leo Borak,
November 27, 2011 4:31 PM

All Heart

Love the people of Israel, They are GODS chosen people, a well writen peace I wish everyone could read. We have you in our prayers.

(1)
sandra schaffer,
November 27, 2011 4:23 PM

Thank You

I would like to thank you and all the other special Israeli soldiers for the amazing work that you do. I was recently in Jerusalem and visited an army base with Aish, we are all so proud of our wonderful soldiers.

Proud Jew,
November 28, 2011 3:48 PM

An exemplary example of Kiddush Hashem. Clearly, Aaron the IDF soldier understands the difficulties and complications of Israel's accepting of these refugees, even if temporarily. He states that and does not take a stand on this issue. His letter is to show the human side of the story, the ethical and moral aspect of his Jewishness. He sets a high standard and wonderful example of how all human beings should act. Kol Hakavod. May G-d bless him.